Statement of Philosophy

Natural Fertility Regulation is a term which embraces methods of family planning which are based on the timing of sexual intercourse with reference to the physiological manifestations of the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle, in accordance with the intention of the couple to achieve or avoid pregnancy. It is implicit in the definition of Natural Fertility Regulation that there is no genital contact during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle, if it is the intention to avoid pregnancy.

Natural signifies that medication, the use of appliances, and the use of surgical procedures to obstruct conception are avoided, and that the act of sexual intercourse is complete.

The Billings Ovulation Method® is an individual technique of Natural Fertility Regulation in which days of infertility, possible fertility and maximum fertility are defined by the hormonally determined patterns of the cervical mucus and vaginal discharges as observed by the woman.

Natural Fertility Regulation promotes the development of stable, happy, family life based on love and respect between the couple, love and respect for their fertility, and happiness in the intimate expression of the union of their lives in the physical sexual relationship.

Its purpose includes the acceptance of every human life, and a willingness to nurture and to educate the child into responsible citizenship within the community.

It seeks to help those couples who have problems in the regulation of their fertility, either difficulty in begetting children of their own, or difficulty in limiting the size of their family. It develops responsibility in all adult individuals in regard to their duties to themselves, to the family and to society.

Maturity in regard to sexuality causes adult people to exercise the freedom of understanding and directing sexuality in accordance with right reason, the sacredness of the human body and of human relationships and consideration for the welfare of others.

In marriage, responsible sexuality demands the fidelity of husband and wife to each other, which promotes a happy, healthy, satisfying relationship established upon mutual love and the treasuring of the gift of their complementary sexuality.

By virtue of its influence in advancing the happiness and security of family life and by protecting reproductive health, Natural Fertility Regulation makes a valuable contribution to society. Its successful application requires communication, cooperation and generosity between the husband and wife, developing those virtues by which the permanence of the marriage bond is ensured.

This Method finds acceptance in all cultures and religions, including Christianity as expressed in the writings of Humanae Vitae (Human Life) and in some of the writings of Islam. It promotes strength and health to the relationship in people of all religions or no religion. It is an expression of the Natural Law as written in all human hearts.